Team Cal?
Team Crustanoid
Team Crustanoid
Overall approach
It's a fluid 4-2-3-1, but in reality the front 4 are going to take turns in pummelling the opposition defence, each in different ways. Camoranesi's pin-point crossing will pick out Ruud (I seem to remember Ruud doing pretty well with another expert crosser in the past). Ruud himself will be the furthest forward, with Raul playing off him, and Del Pierro given license to roam and make a front 3 when attacking.
The midfield two are extremely competent. Emerson will play as the destroyer, with Albertini's finesse and passing ability making him a deep-lying playmaker who will control the attacks, just like a latter day Scholes.
The four defenders are all competent and solid. Simic and Iuliano both had long periods as stable and dependable defenders for Milan and Juve respectably, whilst Arce is a free kick specialist and equally adept at defending. Sergi, Barcelona's Denis Irwin will also provide a good balance at defending and providing width going forward to free up Del Piero so the Italian maestro can go roaming to cause misery for the opposition defence.
Given the abilities of the front players primarily this lineup is fluid enough to switch from the current 4-2-3-1
(above)
to 4-3-1-2
depending on the conditions of the game.
Individual biographies and player descriptions
Christian Abbiati Goalkeeper
He's been around longer than you think, making the Italian squad in 2000 and 2002 and has now made over 200 appearances for Milan, following spells on loan at Juve, Atletico and Torino. Dependable and solid.
Francisco Arce Right back
61 caps for Paraguay, tough in the tackle and prolific in the free kick department. Played primarily in South American leagues, amassing a raft of honours
Sergi Left back
Barcelona's Denis Irwin. Over 3090 apps in the 90s and rarely let them down. Part of their youth academy, so has all the attributes you'd expect: technically strong, brilliant passing, intelligent etc. Also has an impressive medal collection, having been part of their successful 90s team
Dario Simic Centre back
Croatia and Milan centre back. schooled in the Dinamo Zagreb production line which produced Prosinecki, Juric and Maric, went on to play for both Milan clubs and Monaco and earned 100 caps for Croatia
Mark Iuliano Centre back
Yet another strong Italian central defender, following Ferrara, Cannavaro, Montero et al by making over 200 appearances in the heart of Juves defence. Powerful and technically adept, Iuliano made 19 appearances for Italy even though the likes of Nesta, Cannavaro, Maldini and Ferrara were at their peaks.
Emerson Defensive midfielder
Brazil's captain around the turn of the century, 73 caps. An outstanding defensive midfielder at his peak. Strong tackler and excellent passer. Won leagues in Brazil with Gremio, Italy with Juve and Roma and Spain with Real, as well as a load of cups as well at national and continental level
Demetrio Albertini Central midfielder
Classy midfielder and an integral part of the awesome Milan team who won 5 Serie As and 3 Champions League titles. 79 caps for Italy, more than 300 appearances for Milan and over 100 more at the top level with other clubs. Brilliant vision, passing and shooting ability. One of the very best of his ilk.
Mauro Camoranesi Right sided attacking midfielder / central midfielder
Veratile winger cum midfielder, extremely effective on the right flank with brilliant dribbling and crossing skills. 55 caps for Italy and a long spell amassing nearly 300 apps and a raft of trophies for Juve .
Alessandro Del Piero Left sided attacking midfielder / forward
One of the very best of his generation, Del Piero is an immensely talented attacker, equally reliable to provide goals, assists and general attacking trickery. All time top scorer at Juve, and still ammassing appearances, goals and trophies. Can play as trequartista, up front and drifting from the left.
Raul Central attacking midfielder / striker
It's not an exaggeration to say that Raul was considered as one of the 2-3 best players in the world in the early 2000s. Real Madrid icon, a striker, but so much more than that, being equally as effective as a more withdrawn player. Goals, brilliance and success surround him - a massively influential player to those around him. He is the all-time leading scorer in the Champions league. 558 apps for Madrid and 228 goals, 102 caps for Spain and 44 goals
Ruud Van Nistelrooy Striker
One of the deadliest front men ever, Ruud will score goals, anytime, anywhere, with any team. Raul and Van Nistelrooy with Del Piero playing off them is pretty much as perfect a front line as you can get. 345 goals in 577 appearances at club level. That is more than 1 in 2. His international record is similar (35 in 70). Legend
Marco Delvecchio Left sided or central midfielder / Striker
If the attacking threat of the previous 3 players is not enough, there is more firepower on the bench. An extremely versatile player, has played left wing back, central and left midfield and most prominently up front. Has 277 appearances for Roma, a real stalwart during the 90s and early part of this century. Also has 22 caps for Italy